Student Spotlight: Jessica LaPlante

Jessica LaPlanteMajor: Philosophy

Jessica LaPlante credits her educational drive to her mother, who met and married
her father while he was serving in the military in Korea.

“She impressed the value of education on me and my sister,” LaPlante said. “She came
to the U.S when she was 18 with a third-grade education. That drove her nuts, because
she felt she could accomplish much more. So she began attending the local community
college in Seattle and earned her GED. She eventually obtained her master’s degree
from Northwestern University.”

However, LaPlante’s father died when she was 16, and her education suffered while
she stayed with various family members.

“I was a terrible student with a dismal GPA, and survival was more important,” she
said. “With no real feeling of home, I decided to take care of myself.”

She began working odd jobs, improving her status as she moved from job to job. LaPlante
eventually landed a position in communications and contract administration for a supply
chain management and logistics firm in the state of Washington that was subcontracted
through Boeing.

But after spending three years in the position, LaPlante couldn’t shake the feeling
that something was missing.

“I just knew I needed to go back to school, so I resigned,” she said. “Although I
didn’t have a plan, my mom – who was living in Wheaton – called and said I could stay
with her. So I enrolled full-time at College of DuPage.”

LaPlante was surprised by the high caliber of COD’s faculty members. It was while
completing a philosophy course with Professor Kent Richter that she discovered her
passion.

“I used to have quite a few late-night conversations with friends involving meaning
and purpose and value,” she said. “I had no idea that what I was probing was actually
an educational discipline. In Dr. Richter’s philosophy course, I watched him unfold
and unpack these concepts so comfortably and humbly. I knew I was meant for this.”

She was equally influenced by Professor Alex Bolyanatz, who was likewise impressed
by LaPlante.

“Jessica enhanced the classroom experience for everyone,” Bolyanatz said. “She has
the talent and the motivation to succeed beyond her baccalaureate and graduate school
work.”

In 2011, LaPlante received the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate
Transfer Scholarship, the largest private scholarship for two-year and community college
transfer students. She was one of 63 students nationwide to receive the scholarship
and the fifth COD recipient in the school’s history. The scholarship consists of $30,000
annually to cover educational expenses – including tuition, room and board, books,
and fees – for the final two or three years as the student completes a bachelor’s
degree.

LaPlante transferred to the University of Illinois and earned her bachelor’s degree
in Philosophy, graduating magna cum laude and with highest distinction. She currently
is in the University of Illinois at Chicago’s doctoral program in Philosophy, having
received the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Continuing Scholar Graduate Award that provides
up to $50,000 for the first three years of graduate study.

“I would like to encourage students to research and take advantage of scholarship
opportunities. It has certainly paid off in my own case, as the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
enabled me to pursue undergraduate and graduate work debt-free while offering a supportive
community to help keep me on track,” she said. “It is worth the time and effort invested
in looking, even in the face of discouragement. It’s also helpful to note that College
of DuPage offers resources through their financial aid department for students seeking
scholarships.”

Her goal is to teach, building on the inspiration of those who have taught her.

“It would be a privilege to help shape the concepts that your students will carry
with them throughout their lives,” she said. “I’ve had a great experience at College
of DuPage. I feel genuinely supported and encouraged by the people I have met here.”

College of DuPage Addison Center

College of DuPage Addison Center is located in the Technology Center of DuPage (TCD) on the east side of Swift Road, north of North Avenue and south of Army Trail Road. Swift Road is approximately 3/4 mile west of Route 53 or I-355.

College of DuPage Lisle location

The Lisle location is home to the Center for Entrepreneurship and Workforce Development. College of DuPage Lisle is located in the One Corporate Lakes building at the corner of Forbes and Cabot drives, just north of Warrenville Road.

College of DuPage Naperville Center

College of DuPage Naperville Center is located on the south side of Rickert Drive. Rickert Drive is accessed by turning north from 75th Street two miles west of Washington Street. From Route 59, travel east on 75th Street to Rickert Drive and turn north.

College of DuPage Westmont Center

College of DuPage Westmont Center is located on the west side of Pasquinelli Drive. Pasquinelli Drive is accessed by turning north from Ogden Avenue one block west of Route 83. The center entrance is immediately north of the bank.